Tuesday evening, February 23, at Pelham's old town hall the Fonthill & District Kinsmen Club hosted a dinner to celebrate Gail Hilyer who was chosen as Pelham's 2009 Citizen of the Year.

It was an evening of celebration, as about 100 people gathered to honour Gail. Kin Brian Iggulden wlecomed everyone and introduced the head table guests who included Dean Allison, MP Niagara West-Glanbrook, Mike Krkljus(representing Tim Hudak, MPP Niagara West-Glanbrook), Mayor Dave Augustyn, Jackie Robarts, former President of Niagara College and longtime friend of Gail and honoured guest Gail Hilyer who received a standing ovation.

Gail has been the president of the Board of Directors of Pelham Cares since 1998. As well she is involved with March of Dimes, Kirk on the Hill Presbyterian Church in Fonthill and along with her beloved dog Scooter 2 , was involved in the dog therapy program with the St. John's Ambulance until Scooter's passing a few years ago. Gail is the recipient of the Rotary's Paul Harris Award and in 2008 received the Ontario Seniors Achievement Award at Queen's Park.

Dave Augustyn, in his remarks, said that Gail epitomizes the Pelham Cares motto "Helping Pelham help each other".

Jackie Robarts represented Gail's family who all live in British Columbia and could not make the celebration. She spoke of meeting Gail back in 1978 when she was the first Female President of Niagara College and one of Gail's duties at that time was to be the Women's Advisor to the President. They have been friends ever since and Jackie credits Gail for being a true friend who truly cares for the people of Pelham. Jackie says all Gail's volunteering comes from her love of people and her generous spirit.

Congratulations were read from last year's Citizen of the Year Rick Lowes who regretted not being able to be present and from Gail's daughter who remembers her mother always saying "You can't do anything without being part of a community. That's what it's all about."

Several people honoured Gail from the audience including Reverend Lewis the pastor of Kirk on the Hill Church.

Finally Gail spoke. She said she learned very early in life that all people are valuable and have a contribution to make. She said "None of us celebrate alone, everyone has a unique contribution to make." She credited everyone in the room for their contribution and reminded us that snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but look what they can do when they stick together. "That's what Pelham does," she added.

The Kinsmen Club has awarded a Citizen of the Year for the past 12 years. Many of the past recipients were in attendance and were introduced and later gathered for a photo with Gail. Much appreciation was extended to the Fonthill and District Kinsmen for their efforts each year in awarding and honouring a Citizen of the Year.

Past citizens of the year were on hand to lend congratulations to this year's Citizen of the Year.

(l to r)

Carolyn Mullin (1998), Gerry Berkhout ( 2005), Gail Hilyer (2009), Catherine Kuckyt (2004), Anne Robbins (2003), George Kowalski (2002)

Photos and Article Courtesy of Gwenn Alves